Durham firm Swinburne Maddison names Victoria Walton as next boss

Jonathan Moreland will retire from Durham-based Swinburne Maddison on December 31, closing out 35 years with the firm.

He will be succeeded by Victoria Walton, current partner and head of commercial property, who will take on the role in January 2027.

Head of Commercial Property, Victoria Walton who will take over from the current managing partner, Jonathan Moreland, when he retires on December 31 (Image: LAUREN PETERS)

Mr Moreland joined the firm in 1991, then known as Swinburne Jackson and Moreland, where his late father served as senior partner.

He became a partner in 1995 and played a key role in the 1998 merger with Wilson Maddison, becoming one of the four founding partners of the modern Swinburne Maddison.

Mr Moreland said: “It has been an enormous privilege and honour to lead Swinburne Maddison.

“The role has been about far more than leadership alone – it has meant being part of a firm where people genuinely belong, care about one another and remain deeply committed to supporting our clients.”

He has emphasised the firm’s approach to succession planning, describing it as a carefully planned transition designed to ensure business as usual for all clients.

Since becoming managing partner in 2021, Mr Moreland has led the firm through a period of significant growth and achievement.

During his tenure, Swinburne Maddison was named Law Firm of the Year at the Northern Law Awards in 2023 and 2025.

It also delivered an ambitious three-year business plan, achieving a 38 per cent increase in turnover and expanding headcount by more than 35 per cent.

The firm also secured Silver Investors in People accreditation.

Mr Moreland also expressed strong support for his successor.

He said: “Victoria has played a major role in shaping our success and truly embodies Swinburne Maddison.

“I can think of no one better to lead the firm into its next chapter with confidence, integrity, honour and fresh energy.”

Ms Walton began her career at Swinburne Maddison as a trainee in 1999 and became a partner just seven years later.

As head of commercial property, she led the team to regional and national recognition, including being named Property Law Firm of the Year at the North East Insider Property Awards in 2023.

She is also individually ranked as a Leading Partner in The Legal 500.

Ms Walton said: “My priorities will be supporting our team to progress their careers while continuing to deliver exceptional service to our clients.

“By investing in our team of experts, recruiting for cultural fit and making sure all staff have a voice we will continue to expand within the region while retaining our reputation as Durham’s leading law firm.”

She has served on the firm’s management committee for six years, working closely with Mr Moreland on Swinburne Maddison’s strategic direction.

While taking on the role of managing partner, Ms Walton will continue her work in commercial property, acting for some of the region’s largest developers and property owners.

To support the next phase of the firm’s growth, new leadership roles will also take effect from January 1.

David Low will become head of dispute resolution, and Sharney Randhawa will be promoted to head of employment.

Both have worked closely with Mr Moreland and will continue the approach and client relationships he developed during his time with the firm.

While Mr Moreland’s retirement marks the end of an era, the appointment of Ms Walton signals a confident transition and a fresh chapter for Swinburne Maddison as it looks to the future.